Note: Policies and planning procedures may have changed since this webinar was recorded in 2022. For the most up to date information, please reach out directly to the Human Library® organization.

The idea of circulating ‘human books’ first emerged in 2000, in Copenhagen, Denmark, as a way to help grow community understanding of the diversity of the human experience, locally and on a global level. The Human Library® model seeks to create safe spaces for dialogue where topics are discussed openly between human books and their readers. Join us to gain insights from a public and academic library using this innovative and impactful model to create meaningful community dialogue. The Anne Arundel County Public Library’s Human Library provides an opportunity for people to connect one-on-one with those they might otherwise never have a chance to talk – people who may have life experiences, stories, or beliefs different from their own. At the DiMenna-Nyselius Library at Fairfield University ‘human books’ are students, faculty, staff, or community members who have volunteered to share their life experiences and answer questions that address stereotypes, prejudices, stigmas, or taboo topics. The session will include discussion on how these organizations were able to plan and implement a Human Library program, how the ‘books’ were prepared and how the program was offered successfully online.

Presented by: Lisa Thornell, Student Engagement & Outreach Librarian, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield University (CT); Rebecca (Becky) Hass, Programming and Outreach Manager, Anne Arundel County Public Library (MD); and Monica Powell, Library Associate, Anne Arundel County Public Library (MD)

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• View Webinar Recording (You will be prompted to login to our free Course Catalog.)

Webinar Attachments

• View slides (pdf)
  
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• Learner Guide (doc) Use alone or with others to extend your learning. 

Related Resources and Links

• Human Library®
• Apply to be a Human Library Organizer
• See the Human Library Pillars of Prejudice, for examples of different lived experiences that might be represented in a Human Library
  
• DiMenna-Nyselius Library Human Library at Fairfield University
• Video promoting 2017 Human Library event
  
• Fairfield University's Diversity & Inclusion Statement
• “Creating Spaces for Meaningful Dialogue: The Human Library at Three Universities” AJCU Justice in Jesuit Higher Education Conference, virtual poster session, June 2021 https://youtu.be/TUo4pYmXp4U
• Anne Arundel County Public Library’s Human Library
  
• Tell Us What You Think form for post-event  
• Daviess County (KY) Public Library Human Library Promo video and Reaction Video
• WebJunction’s Community Partnership and Collaboration Guide